WAUMFAFM8BA0700472011 AUDI A3quattro Premium Plus
2011 AUDI A3 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 4 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 42 owner ...
Executive Summary
2011 AUDI A3
2011 AUDI A3 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 4 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 42 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- 4 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Airbag system recall; Fuel system recall)
- 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — above average for this class
- Safety Systems is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Engine or platform shared with models that have documented failure issues
- Active or settled class action lawsuit on record for this model — VW/Audi TDI Dieselgate Emissions Defeat Device (2009–2016)
- Manufacturer extended warranty program exists: VW Dieselgate settlement offered buybacks or extended emissions warranty. Most settlement programs have closed — verify status at vwcourtsetlement.com.
Takata airbag inflators can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin — this defect has caused at least 27 deaths and 400+ injuries worldwide. Do NOT drive this vehicle until this recall is repaired. Contact your dealer immediately.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- AUDI
- Model
- A3
- Year
- 2011
- Trim / Series
- quattro Premium Plus
- Body Style
- Wagon
- Vehicle Type
- PASSENGER CAR
- Drive Type
- AWD/All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4-cyl 1.984000L 200.00 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- AUDI AG
- Assembly
- INGOLSTADT, GERMANY
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: INGOLSTADT, GERMANY
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Airbag system recall
- ▸Fuel system recall
- ▸1 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ⚠3 recalls on same component: Safety Systems
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
2.0L EA888 TSI: timing chain tensioner and water pump failures well-documented
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
Documented systemic defect with class action or NHTSA investigation. These issues are often unrepaired at point of sale.
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
4 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 4 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 4 recalls is ~77%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
AUDI completes recalls at a fair rate (84%). If this vehicle has open recalls, follow up with a dealer — average remedy time is ~22 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~22 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.Read full details...
~20% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.Read full details...
~20% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
SummaryVOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 AUDI A3 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L TDI COMMON RAIL DIESEL ENGINE/CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE. THE FUEL INJECTION PULSES COULD COINCIDE WITH THE NATURAL FREQUENCY OF THE INJECTOR LINE #2, IN SPECIFIC LOAD AND RPM CONDITIONS. THIS RESONANCE CREATES ADDITIONAL STRESS IN THE FUEL LINE.Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryVolkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Passat, 2011-2014 Golf A6, and 2011-2013 Audi A3 diesel vehicles, thought to have been previously repaired under one of the Takata air bag recalls. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.Read full details...
~20% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix
RECALL DIDN'T FIX ITOwner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components
100% of complaints about "FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL" were filed AFTER recall campaign 11V490000 (2011-03-10) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
Complaint Intelligence
42 complaints analyzed across 7 system categories
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME42 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
answering questions above: -body control module fuse, possibly engine comopartment fuse box itself -intermittent exterior lighting outages -no dealer / independent service center has inspected -not been inspected by anyone -no warnings, just bulb-out warnings once the issue started longform description: Last week, I was experiencing intermittent light outages on the right side of my car (2011 audi a3 TDI) . It started wednesday 3/22, during my morning commute to work, when I was exiting highway and turned on my right turn signal all the exterior lights on the right side of my car started flickering, and stopped. Same thing happened the next morning, except worse, applying my brakes would disable my right headlight. I stopped driving until the weekend when I drove over to get my car scanned for errors by a buddy of mine who has a diagnostic tool. It pointed to the body control module. With the car on, he gave the body control module fuse a light wiggle, and smoke started pouring out. He turned the car off and took out the fuse, one of the contacts melted into two pieces, and the plastic housing the fuse is full of bubbles. It seems that the engine fuse box for this car is poorly designed, and audi knows this as they've updated the part, but no recall was started. A recall was initiated for a similar issue on Tiguans manufactured around the same time (Recall no. 13V569000). Crazy to think that while I was driving around, there could have been smoke pouring out of my engine compartment fuse box, seems pretty dangerous. And I'm not the only one as people online call this the "infamous audi/vw melted fuse box issue".
ESP malfunctioned while driving on highway: tires braked several times rapidly on one side without warning, making car difficult to control. Immediately took foot off gas and had to steer out of a small fishtail. At the time I was driving at normal speed, not cornering aggressively or anything, on a smooth dry road. In heavy traffic or on a wet road this could have resulted in a crash. On just a couple occasions shortly before this occurred, while going around corners at highway or near-highway speeds there was a sensation that the steering direction suddenly "slipped" a notch, with a sort of thunk from the tires. At the time I attributed it to unseen road bumps, but after experiencing the more serious failure I realized it was the same asymmetrical braking just on a smaller scale. No warning lights gave any indicator of this dangerous sensor fault. During the most serious incident, the ESP light flickered briefly but that is the only time any lights appeared at all. I would expect this system to "fail safe" by deactivating, rather staying active and risking loss of control. Dealer garage said the problem "might" be the ESP sensor yaw rate sensor (G202) but can't guarantee that will fix it. I found several reports online of others experiencing loss of control due to Audi A3 ESP malfunction: 1) https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/esp-driving-me-nuts.225172/ 2) https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/yaw-sensor-g202-replacement-location.350445/ 3) http://www.vask.org.nz/index.php?topic=41577.0
Airbag warning light came on. Dealer said passenger seat occupancy sensor must be replaced, at cost of $1500-3000 since it's 5 months past my warranty. Numerous Audi models from 2012 onward have a recall for this sensor, but not my 2011 model (yet). Other automakers have extended their warranty for this safety-critical part -- BMW to 15 years, for example. Technicians could not tell me if the sensor error means all airbags are disabled, passenger airbag only is disabled, or passenger airbag is always-on (dangerous for children).
MY SON WAS DRIVING MY 2011 AUDI A3 TDI TO THE GYM AT NIGHT WHEN HE CALLED ME THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND HAD A WARNING LIGHT COME ON. I TOLD HIM TO GOOGLE IT AND HE FOUND OUT IT WAS A GLOW PLUG INDICATOR. I TOLD HIM TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT IN THE LIMP MODE. THE CAR DIED WHILE MOVING AND MY SON WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO A PARKING LOT. THIS COULD OF BEEN A DIFFERENT STORY ON A BUSY INTERSTATE. I HAD TO PICK HIM UP AND HAD THE CAR TOWED IN THE MORNING. TO FIND OUT THIS CAR IS NOTORIOUS FOR CATASTROPHIC HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED. WHEN I SAY CATASTROPHIC, METAL IS SHREDDED AND GOES INTO THE INJECTORS AND CONTAMINATES EVERYTHING THAT CARRIES FUEL. IT IS ABOUT A 7K TO 8K REPAIR. I HAVE USED NOTHING BUT LOW SULFUR DIESEL. IT'S RIDICULOUS A RECALL HASN'T BEEN ISSUED TO PREVENT THIS ISSUE. SINCE THIS HAPPENED I HAVE FOUND COMPLAINTS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT THE INTERNET.
INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF EXTERIOR LIGHTS TO INCLUDE HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS DURING DRIVING. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS AT NIGHT. FAULT SEEMS TO BE (ENGINE) TEMPERATURE DEPENDENT (I.E. - DOES NOT SEEM TO OCCUR WHEN ENGINE BAY IS COLD). ISSUE CONTINUED TO OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY FOR SEVERAL DAYS (UNTIL THE PARTS IN THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION WERE REPLACED). THE PLASTIC HOUSING FOR A 30 AMPERE FUSE (POSITION F16) IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS PARTIALLY MELTING. THE MELTED FUSE RESIDUE WORKED ITSELF INTO THE FUSE BOX TERMINALS (CAUSING DAMAGE OF THE FUSE BOX) AND CAUSING A FAULTY CONNECTION WHICH IN TURN CAUSED THE INTERMITTENT FAILURES OF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS. I HAVE ATTACHED PICTURES OF THE F16 (POSITION) 30 AMPERE FUSE SHOWING ITS PARTIALLY MELTED PLASTIC BODY AND THE FUSE HOLDER BLOCK (ALSO WITH PARTIALLY MELTED CONTACT POSITION / TERMINAL AREA). UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE FAULT IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS A CURRENT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 13V569000 FOR A VW (A SISTER COMPANY OF AUDI) IN BOTH THE FUSE LOCATION AND ITS AFFECTS. IT'S NOT UNCOMMON FOR VW AND AUDI TO USE SAME PARTS. FAILURE OF EXTERIOR LIGHTS (ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT) IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. INTERNET SEARCH SHOW MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES OF THE SAME ISSUE FOR AUDI A3 (SIMILAR MODEL YEARS). OWNER HAS THE FAULTY PARTS (FOR YOUR INSPECTION IF NEED BE). THANK YOU.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AT NIGHT, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING POWERED OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. IN ADDITION, MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND BOTH TURN SIGNALS, BRAKE LIGHTS, AND THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUDI OF MISSION VIEJO (LOCATED AT 28451 MARGUERITE PKWY, MISSION VIEJO, CA 92692, (949) 359-4053), WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PLASTIC BODY OF FUSE F16 MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AUDI FLATIRONS (13321 W MIDWAY BLVD, BROOMFIELD, CO 80020, (866) 604-3244) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS NOTICES FROM AUDI AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE THAT MY A3 IS RECALLED FOR THE AIRBAG REPLACEMENT. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO SCHEDULE THIS SINCE JUNE WITH AUDI OF KALAMAZOO, MY LOCAL DEALER. THEY SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS FOR THIS 6 WEEKS OUT. THEY HAVE TWICE CANCELLED MY APPOINTMENT THE DAY BEFORE THE SERVICE SAYING THAT THEY CAN'T GET THE PARTS. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ANOTHER DEALER WHO REPORT THAT THEY HAVE NOT HAD SUCH TROUBLE GETTING THE PARTS. AUDI OF KALAMAZOO'S DELAY TACTICS HAVE UNNECESSARILY PUT MY FAMILY AT RISK.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED DCH AUDI OXNARD AT (805) 288-7728 (LOCATED AT 1600 VENTURA BLVD, OXNARD, CA 93036) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
AUDI REFUSES TO REPLACE CITING LACK OF PARTS YET KEEPS SENDING ME NOTICES TO REPLACE. THIS IS WASTING A LOT OF TIME FOR BOTH PARTIES.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V082000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AUDI STEVENS CREEK (3350 STEVENS CREEK BLVD, SAN JOSE, CA 95117, (408) 244-5400) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED KEYES AUDI (5239 VAN NUYS BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA, (818) 528-5931) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *JS
VEHICLE DOES NOT SWITCH GEARS PROPERLY. ONCE DRIVE GEAR IS SELECTED THEN THE GEAR INDICATOR FLASHES (EX. THE D FLASHES OR P FLASHES). VEHICLE DOES NOT SWITCH GEARS UNTIL 5500 RPM IS REACHED. AND VEHICLE DOES NOT ENGAGE R GEAR ONCE CAR HAS BEEN IN DRIVE. HAVE TO TURN VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON TO GET TO R. VEHICLE IS PRETTY MUCH NOT DRIVABLE IN CURRENT CONDITION AS IT NEEDS TO BE SHUT OFF AND TURNED ONE MULTIPLE TIMES JUST TO PARK THE CAR. SOMETIMES BEHAVES NORMALLY FOR SHORT BURSTS.
TAKATA RECALL. THE RECALL ON THIS AIRBAG ISSUED IN FEB 2016 AND I AM STILL BEING TOLD THAT THERE IS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE. NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET, BUT I AM APPARENTLY DRIVING AROUND WITH AN AIRBAG THAT IS KNOWN TO BE HAZARDOUS.
UNABLE TO TRADE IN VEHICLE WITH DEALER. STATES ONLY VALUED AT $2500; $5000 LESS THAN ACTUAL TRADE IN VALUE. UNACCEPTABLE THAT AUDI DOES NOT STAND BY MISTAKE.
TAKATA RECALL: AUDI HAS BEEN UNABLE TO PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION AS TO WHEN THE TAKATA AIRBAG INFLATOR(S) WILL BE REPLACED. IT HAS BEEN APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR, AND WE HAVE KEPT THE CAR GARAGED FOR FEAR OF SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. AUDI HAS OFFERED NO INFORMATION THE STATUS OF THE RECALL, NO LOANER VEHICLE/RENTAL VEHICLE, AND APPEARS TO HAVE NO PLAN IN PLACE FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE AFFECTED AIRBAG INFLATOR(S).
I RECEIVED A LETTER AND EMAIL FROM MY DEALERSHIP AROUND THE BEGINNING OF FEBRUARY INFORMING ME THAT MY CAR HAD A DEFECTIVE TAKATA DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG AND TO COME IN AND TALK TO SOMEONE REGARDING MY OPTIONS. I SCHEDULED AN APPT WITH MY DEALERSHIP FOR FEBRUARY 25, 2017 AND MET WITH SARSI KAZIMI, SALES MANAGER, AT KEYES AUDI AT 5239 VAN NUYS BLVD, VAN NUYS, CA 91401. SARSI CONFIRMED THAT THERE IS NOT A REMEDY AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME, AND TRIED TO OFFER ME A TRADE-IN DEAL FOR MY CAR AGAINST ANOTHER AUDI. I CURRENTLY HAVE 1 1/2 YEARS MORE UNTIL FULL PAYOFF OF MY VEHICLE (CAR LOAN THROUGH MY CREDIT UNION, NOT THE DEALERSHIP). I INFORMED SARSI THAT I DIDN'T WANT TO LOCK MYSELF INTO A NEW LOAN FOR ANOTHER 5-7 YRS WHEN MY MINE IS ALMOST PAID OFF. THE FOLLOWING WEEK HE OFFERED ME A NEW LEASE OPTION FOR THE A3 SPORTBACK ETRON, BUT THE PAYMENT WOULD BE HIGHER THAN MY CURRENT MONTHLY PAYMENT AT $399/MO, NOT TO MENTION, I WOULDN'T EVEN OWN THE CAR AT THE END OF THE LEASE. I TRIED TO MEET HIM WITH A REASONABLE OFFER FOR THE LEASE OPTION BUT HE WOULD NOT CONCEDE. I FELT MY OFFER WAS FAIR IN REGARDS TO THE AIRBAG NOT HAVING A REMEDY AT THIS TIME. I DID NOT WANT TO GO LOWER THAN MY CURRENT MONTHLY PAYMENT, SO I TOLD HIM I WAS WILLING TO LEASE A NEW A3 SPORTBACK FOR 3 YEARS, NO MONEY DUE AT SIGNING, 12,000 MILES/YEAR, FULLY LOADED, W/ NOTHING HIGHER THAN $350/MO. AUDI ALREADY HAD A CURRENT OFFER FOR SOMETHING SIMILARLY ADVERTISED. LEASE THE SAME CAR WITH MONTHLY AMOUNT $359 AND APPROXIMATELY $2600 DUE AT SIGNING (SEE ATTACHED). I FIGURED THIS WAS FAIR AND REASONABLE BASED ON COMPARISON TO THEIR CURRENT ADVERTISEMENT. HE CAME BACK WITH THE LOWEST HE COULD POSSIBLE GO WAS NO MONEY DOWN FOR THE STIPPED DOWN VERSION (NO ADDITIONAL "ADD-ONS"), AT $399/MO. HE WAS NOT WILLING TO BUDGE. I TOLD HIM I WAS NOT INTERESTED IN THIS DEAL AND WALKED OUT. PLEASE ADVISE ON HOW I SHOULD PROCEED.
MFTR HAS NOT REPLACED AIRBAG UNDER THIS RECALL
COOLANT PUMP- AUDI ACTION CODE-19L2-"THE COOLANT PUMP MAY DEVELOP A SMALL LEAK OVER TIME." MY AUDI SUFFERED A COOLANT LEAK AND HAD TO FIX FOR $1100 IN DIAGNOSIS/REPAIRS. I REPAIRED IT ON MY OWN AND LATER I LEARNED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FROM AUDI. I NEED TO GET MY REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE MONEY I PUT UP TO FIX COOLANT LEAK.
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A DEALER IN HOUSTON, TX ON OCT 3, 2016. PRIOR TO PURCHASE, I SUBMITTED THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION AND NOTICE TO US CUSTOMS FOR EXPORT TO CANADA. I ALSO CONTACTED AUDI CANADA TO DETERMINE THAT THERE WERE NO OUTSTANDING RECALLS. THE VENDOR PROVIDED A TEMPORARY PERMIT FROM THE STATE OF TEXAS, WHICH PERMITTED US TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. WE IMPORTED THE VEHICLE INTO CANADA AT PORT HURON WITH NO COMPLICATIONS ON OCTOBER 21, 2016, PAYING THE REQUIRED DUTY AND HST. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, WE RECEIVED NOTICE FROM RIV THAT THEY COULD NOT ISSUE CLEARANCE, AS A RECALL FOR THE TAKATA AIRBAG REMAINED OUTSTANDING. RIV INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE MUST COMPLY WITHIN 45 DAYS OR BE RETURNED TO THE US. I ENQUIRED ABOUT RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO THE SELLING DEALER. HOWEVER, AS THE TEXAS TITLE HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO MY NAME, THE VEHICLE MUST NOW BE COMPLIANT FOR RESALE IN THE US. I HAVE MADE NUMEROUS INQUIRIES OF AUDI CANADA AND WHILE THEY HAVE ATTEMPTED TO BE HELPFUL, THEY INDICATE THAT NO REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AND NO DATE HAS BEEN PROVIDED REGARDING AVAILABILITY OF PARTS. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED AUDI MISSISSAUGA, (WHO HAVE SERVICED OTHER AUDI VEHICLES FOR US), AS WELL, AS THE ORIGINAL SELLING DEALER IN SAN ANTONIO, TX, TO ASK THEM TO INCLUDE OUR VEHICLE IN THE QUEUE, SHOULD PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. IN THE MEANTIME, THE VEHICLE SITS IN MY GARAGE, SOMEWHERE IN BUREAUCRATIC NO-MANS-LAND. WHILE I WOULD PREFER TO HAVE THE RECALL COMPLETED, I AM NOT CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND ACCEPT THAT RESPONSIBILITY. ARE YOU AWARE OF OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCE AND HAVE THEY BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE? OR, CAN YOU SUGGEST AN ALTERNATE COURSE OF ACTION THAT MAY LEAD TO A RESOLUTION?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.....UPDATED 02/06/17 *BF UPDATED 09/08/2017 *JS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION IF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 12/01/16*LJ
TAKATA RECALL. NO REMEDY AVAILABLE APPARENTLY.
TAKATA RECALL
TAKATA AIRBAG I AM WRITING TO EXPRESS MY GREAT CONCERN ABOUT THIS POTENTIALLY LETHAL ISSUE WITH MY CAR. THIS RECALL IS OPEN SINCE FEBRUARY 2016 AND YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO RECTIFY THIS. I AM FORCED TO DRIVE A POTENTIALLY LETHALLY HARMFUL VEHICLE OVER THE LACK OF ABILITY BY THE MANUFACTURER TO REMEDY THE AIRBAG INFLATOR. I UNDERSTAND THE INVOLVED CONCERNS OF THE SURVIVABILITY OF TAKATA - HOWEVER MY PERSONAL LIFE COMES BEFORE THE ECONOMIC CONCERN OF THE CAR MANUFACTURER AND ITS SUPPLIERS.
TAKATA RECALL. A RECALL WAS ISSUED IN FEBRUARY 2016 FOR MY VEHICLE. I WAS NOTIFIED BY AUDI OF THE RECALL IN APRIL. I CONTACTED THE DEALER THEN AND WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE. I CONTACTED AUDI WEST HOUSTON AGAIN ON JUNE 27, 2016 AND WAS TOLD THE ONLY REMEDY TO ME WAS A DISCOUNT ON A NEW CAR. I WAS TOLD THIS BY A SALESMAN AND BY THE GENERAL SALES MANAGER. I CONTACTED AUDI CUSTOMER SERVICE ON JUNE 29, 2016, AND THEY SAID THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE AND THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY IDEA WHEN THEY WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THEY SAID I COULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR SINCE NO AUDI OR VW HAD EXPERIENCED AN AIR-BAG FAILURE. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AND WOULD LIKE IT REPAIRED. I DON'T THINK IT'S RIGHT THAT AUDI HAS NOT REPAIRED A SINGLE VEHICLE UNDER THIS RECALL NOR CAN THEY ESTIMATE WHEN THEY WILL BEGIN REPAIRING THESE VEHICLES. WHY DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO BE KILLED IN AN AUDI/VW BEFORE THEY ARE FORCED TO PROVIDE REPAIRS OR ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION. THEIR APPROACH SEEMS TO BE TO "WAIT IT OUT" AND HOPE THAT PEOPLE WILL JUST BE FORCED TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THEM UNDER AN "INCENTIVE" PROGRAM THAT IS COMPLETELY INADEQUATE. I DON'T KNOW WHY I SHOULD BE FORCED TO BUY ANOTHER AUDI SIMPLY TO AVOID DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. I WOULD RATHER HAVE THEM DISABLE THE AIRBAG THAN TAKE THE CHANCE THAT IT EXPLODES.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
I WAS AT THE TAIL END OF A 400 MILE TRIP-ALL FREEWAY DRIVING. AFTER EXITING THE FREEWAY, THE CAR WAS SLOWLY LOSING POWER. THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT CAME ON. CAR STALLED AFTER 1/2 MILE. I TRIED TO RESTART IT. IT WOULD NOT START. THE GLOW PLUG AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WERE ON. TOWED TO DEALERSHIP TO FIND THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP SEND METAL INTO MY FUEL SYSTEM AND ENGINE. I HAVE JUST OVER 50,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THE REPAIR IS COVERED DUE TO THE FAULTY PART. AUDI SHOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR BACK BECAUSE THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. INSTEAD OF DOING A RECALL, THEY ALLOWED THE CAR TO BE DRIVEN AND NOW MY ENGINE IS AFFECTED. I TRIED TO ARRANGE A TRADE-IN AT A LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND THEY OFFERED ME LOW BLUE BOOK MINUS $10,000. MY CAR IS NOT ONLY UNDESIRABLE, BUT WORTHLESS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND THE SERVICE VEHICLE SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT A FUSE PANEL HAD OVERHEATED AND MELTED. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FUEL LEAKING WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
I RECENTLY STARTED TO USE THE BACK PART OF THE CAR, NEVER HAD USED IT BEFORE HAD ANOTHER CAR FOR DOGS AND BIKES. THE AREA WHERE THE SPARE TIRE IS MADE OUT OF CARDBOARD, WILL NOT HOLD 125 LAB DOG OR A BIKE. WENT TO DEALER SAID THEY WOULD REPLACE THE PIECE AND SPLIT THE COST. PIECE IS NOT BROKEN, 1/2 THE CAR IS NOT USABLE, IF I PUT MY 125 LAB BACK THERE SHE WOULD FALL INTO THE SPARE TIRE. AUDI DOES NOT THINK THIS IS A PROBLEM. IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE KIDS, BIKE OR DOGS BACK THERE. UNSAFE. I HAVE BEEN EMAILING AUDI CORPORATE AND DEALER- LOTS OF TALK AND NO SOLUTIONS. THE CAR IS WONDERFUL, THEY JUST FELL ASLEEP WHEN THEY MADE THE TRUNK AREA. DANGEROUS!! *TR
THE VEHICLE STARTED LOOSING POWER AND STALLING. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME UP. I TOOK THE CAR THE DEALER. THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP THAT HAS DISINTEGRATED AND DAMAGED THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. *TR
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE NY STATE THRUWAY IN ALBANY AT 65-70 MILES AN HOUR. I REALIZED I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND SAW THAT THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT WAS FLASHING. I SLOWED DOWN AND TRIED TO MOVE OVER TO THE RIGHT, BUT AS I SLOWED, THE CAR STALLED AND I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE WITH CARS PASSING ME ON EITHER SIDE AND I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART MY CAR. IT WAS SO SCARY. I COULDN'T GET OUT, I WAS ALONE. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO, I FELT MY LIFE WAS IN DANGER, UNABLE TO GET OUT OF MY CAR. I GOT MYSELF TOGETHER ENOUGH TO CALL AAA. THEY CALLED THE POLICE TO HELP ME WITH TRAFFIC. I WAS PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DODGING CARS AND TRYING NOT TO GET HIT. AAA CAME 1 HOUR LATER; IT WAS 12:00PM, HOT AND HUMID ON THE LABOR DAY HOLIDAY! THEY TOWED ME TO THE NEAREST AUDI DEALER WHICH WAS 20 MILES AWAY. I HAD TO PAY FOR THE EXTRA MILES. I AM 3 HOURS FROM HOME WITH NO IDEA WHAT I AM GOING TO DO. MY DAUGHTER HAD TO COME PICK ME UP AND DRIVE ME BACK HOME. NOW MY CAR IS IN ALBANY AND I AM IN MASSACHUSETTS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CAR OR HOW I AM GOING TO GET MY CAR BACK. THIS WAS A VERY SCARY, UNACCEPTABLE INCIDENT! *TR
MY A3 2011 AUDI 2.0 TDI DIESEL WOULD NOT START IN A PARKING LOT. NOT THE BATTERY: TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER IN HONOLULU,HI SAYS I NEED THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM ( TANK,LINES, 2 FUEL PUMPS ) REPLACED DUE TO 'GLITTER LIKE' PARTICLES IN THE FUEL LINE. FUEL IS BEING SENT FOR ANALYSIS. I AM USING THE RECOMMENDED BRAND OF DIESEL FUEL ( SHELL ) . FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT MOVING. SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS LIST SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FUEL PUMP FAILURE. ALSO FORTUNATELY, IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
CAR STALLED DUE TO DEBRIS CLOGGING THE FUEL LINE AND FUEL COULD NOT GET TO THE ENGINE. I AM TOLD CAVITATION OCCURRED, RESULTING IN METAL SHARDS DAMAGING THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM. ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED REPLACEMENT AFTER THE TANK. DEALER CHALLENGED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE $10K REPAIR, SAYING THE STANDARD SERVICE ON THE FUEL FILTER DID NOT APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN PERFORMED. THE WARRANTY GOES TO 50K MILES, CAR WAS AT 48.5K MILES. THE OWNER'S WARRANTY BOOKLET DID NOT HAVE THE SAME SERVICE AS THE DEALER SAID SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE--IT WAS A LESS FREQUENT INTERVAL. *JS
FUEL PUMP IMPLODED AND SENT SHRAPNEL THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM. EVERYTHING HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
SAME ISSUE AS CAMPAIGN 97Z9 ON THE VW TIGUAN WITH FUSE F16 ON THE FUSE PANEL IS MELTING. THE PART NUMBER IS THE SAME AS THE TIGUAN'S. 1K0937125D. *TR
THE CAR IS JERKING IN BETWEEN 1ST AND SECOND GEAR. SEEMS THE TRANSMISSION CANT DECIDE TO STAY IN 1ST OR SECOND. ALSO- THE CAR SHIFTS DOWN TO 1ST INAPPROPRIATELY QUICKLY. *TR
I OWN AN AUDI A3 2011, TDI. I HAD TWO SIMILAR INCIDENTS WITH THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WITH THIS TDI. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WHEN THE CARS JUST PASSED THE WARRANTY PERIOD OF 50,000 MILES. I DROVE THIS CAR IN CITY STREET AND THE ?GLOW-PLUG? INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. I BARELY MADE IT TO THE AUDI SERVICE. THEY TOLD ME THAT I CONTAMINATED WITH UNLEADED FUEL. I TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT IS NOT THE CASE BECAUSE I ONLY USE ONE GAS STATION AND USUALLY, I USED THE SAME DIESEL PUMP. AFTER AUDI DEALER TALK TO THE AUDI OF AMERICA, THEY DECIDED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, APPROXIMATELY $8,000. THEN THIS IS THE SECOND SIMILAR INDECENT. I STARTED THE ENGINE AND HEAR UNUSUAL CLANKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR IN CITY STREET TO MY HOME. THEN SUDDENLY THE ?GLOW PLUG? LIGHTS MOMENTARILY FLASHES. THE ENGINE DIES IMMEDIATE RIGHT AFTER. I COAST THE CAR TO THE CURB. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALER, AND AFTER A DAY, THE SERVICE MANAGER AGAIN TOLD ME THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS CONTAMINATED WITH UNLEADED FUEL. I ASSURED YOU THAT THIS IS NOT THE CASE BECAUSE I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO DROVE THIS CAR. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT AUDI DID THE ANALYSIS AND IT INDICATED THAT THE FUEL GOT CONTAMINATED, BUT CONTINUED TO DENY THE ACCUSATION BECAUSE I AM VERY CAREFUL IN USING THE ?ULTRA-LOW SULFUR DIESEL? FOR MY CAR. THE FIRST INCIDENT I ONLY POUR MY DIESEL GAS FROM SHELL STATION, BUT SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT HAD HAPPENED, I CHANGED TO CHEVRON STATION. AFTER ONE WEEK, I CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER AND ASK HIM FOR THE ANALYSIS OF THE CONTAMINATION, AND HE SAID THAT HE HAD SENT TO AUDI IN GERMANY FOR REPORT. THEN I SAID I WANTED THE OLD INJECTION SYSTEM BACK SO I CAN DO AN INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS, HE ALSO TOLD ME HE SENT THE OLD PARTS BACK TO GERMANY FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS. I SERIOUSLY DOUBTED THAT THE AUDI DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT DID ANY ANALYSIS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 AUDI A3 TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
YOU MOBILE PHONE CONNECTS TO THE AUTOS RADIO SYSTEM. THE AUTOS DEFAULT RING VOLUME IS AT AN UNSAFE VOLUME AND CANNOT BE MODIFIED. TWO AUDIOLOGISTS HAVE BOTH ATTESTED TO THE FACT THAT THE VOLUME IS AT AN UNSAFE LEVEL. AUDI SAYS THE REALIZE THE PROBLEM, BUT WILL OFFER NO FIX. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY HEARING AND FOR MY WIFE AND CHILD. *TR
1) NORMAL DRIVING. 2) FUEL PUMP FAILURE RESULTING IN TOTAL FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE. 3) FUEL PUMP AND ENTIRE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM REPLACED. *TR
PURCHASED A NEW 2011 AUDI A3 TDI LAST SATURDAY. THE FOLLOWING FRIDAY WHILE PULLING OUT INTO AN INTERSECTION THE DSG TRANSMISSION BRIEFLY WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND I SAW THE TACHOMETER NEEDLE SHOOT UP AND HEARD THE ENGINE WHINE. I WAS IN MANUAL MODE AT THE TIME. I DOWN SHIFTED AND LET OFF THE GAS AND IT RE-ENGAGED. THE FOLLOWING DAY (TODAY) THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME I WAS ALSO IN MANUAL MODE AND WAS AGAIN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM AN ALMOST COMPLETE STOP. I WILL BE CALLING THE DEALER MONDAY, BUT IN THE MEANTIME I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING AND KNOWN ISSUE WITH VW / AUDI DSG TRANSMISSIONS. *TR
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
▸ Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 42 total NHTSA complaints filed over 12 years, with the worst year being 2017 (8 complaints).
The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 95/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.
The recalls (red dashed lines) were issued in the same year or before complaints peaked, suggesting the manufacturer identified and acted on the defect relatively quickly.
Manufacturer Extended Warranties & Special Coverage
1 known program match this vehicle — verify current eligibility with dealer using your VIN
EA888 Gen 1 and Gen 2 2.0T TSI engines suffer from premature timing chain wear caused by a faulty chain tensioner. The symptom is a rattling noise on cold start. VW and Audi extended coverage for the timing chain system and issued revised parts under Technical Service Action 23BE.
Coverage eligibility depends on your VIN, original sale date, and current mileage. Always verify with an authorized dealer or manufacturer customer service — programs may have been updated since this database was compiled.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
- ▸Volkswagen Dieselgate: TDI engines equipped with defeat device software to cheat EPA emissions tests
- ▸VW settled with US owners for $14.7 billion — one of the largest auto class action settlements in history
- ▸Affected owners received buyback offers and extended emissions warranty
Repair Cost Intelligence
Estimated repair costs for known AUDI A3 defects — quantify your risk in dollars
TDI diesel Dieselgate
VW/EPA consent decree buyback and fix program concluded in 2019. Affected 2.0L vehicles were either bought back or received the approved emissions modification. Verify fix was applied before purchase.
Estimates based on RepairPal averages, ASE mechanic surveys, and NHTSA investigation data. Actual costs vary by region and shop.
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $70,114 (~$1,169/mo). Repair risk buffer is elevated due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2011 AUDI A3 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
27% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
- ▸Active class action lawsuit — legal pressure often accelerates recalls
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for WAUMFAFM8BA070047. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Safer Alternatives to Consider
Based on the risk level of this 2011 AUDI A3, these Similar Vehicle Class alternatives have significantly better safety records
Toyota models consistently rank in the bottom quartile for NHTSA complaint density across all segments
Honda models have below-average recall rates and no known systemic powertrain defects in recent years
Mazda has the industry's lowest complaint-per-vehicle rate in multiple consecutive NHTSA reporting years
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | WAUMFAFM8BA070047 |
| Model Year | 2011 |
| Make | AUDI |
| Model | A3 |
| Trim | quattro Premium Plus |
| Vehicle Type | PASSENGER CAR |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Wagon |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | AWD/All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.984000 |
| Horsepower | 200.00 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | AUDI AG |
| Assembly City | INGOLSTADT |
| Assembly Country | GERMANY |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | WAU |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 8 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | B |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | A |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 070047 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 4 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 42 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 6/10/2026, 4:39:16 PM.